Black Isle mast plan 'must not be granted'
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A TELECOMS mast must not be erected at a popular beauty spot, a community council has urged.
Highland Council is assessing a planning application for the smart-meter mast, which would be built at the viewpoint and cairn overlooking Munlochy Bay on the Black isle.
Now Knockbain Community Council has slammed the proposals, arguing that the 12-metre structure would spoil the area, as well as pose a health and safety risk.
Chairman John Stott said: "I just don’t think putting a 39ft mast at a viewpoint is a very good idea.
"I am sure there is somewhere else it could go.
"The location is right at the entrance to the village where we have the viewpoint and welcome cairn. This mast is going to be right behind that.
"The viewpoint is very popular as it overlooks Munlochy Bay. That’s the basis of why we’re against the mast being put up there.
"It will also have an impact on drivers because it will affect their line of sight as they are coming along the road.
"We are certainly not against technology but there must be an option to build the mast somewhere with less visual impact."
Mr Stott insisted that there is increasing opposition to the development, and urged the community you make their feelings known.
He added: "There certainly seems to be growing opposition to it. A lot of people have said they are unhappy on social media.
"I don’t think people are all that likely to write to the council about things like this. They don’t really have time. However, I have seen a lot of concerns expressed on Facebook and things like that.
"I would like to see the community rallying round. We are all about trying to empower communities.
"We are a conduit between the community and the council.
"I would urge the council to take the community’s views into account. We know our voice will be heard.
"I have already contacted our three local councillors. Hopefully they listen to us."
